Inspired by the world of Pixar’s Cars, Disney will be releasing Planes on the big screen this summer. The film was originally to be given a straight-to-DVD/Blu-ray release later this year, but the studio have opted for a theatrical release, putting it into theatres this August.
Dane Cook has now officially been announced as leading the voice cast for Planes, lending his voice as Dusty, a plane with high hopes of being a racer. And now the studio have released the first teaser trailer.
“From above the world of “Cars” comes “Disney’s Planes,” an action-packed 3D animated comedy adventure featuring Dusty (voice of Dane Cook), a plane with dreams of competing as a high-flying air racer. But Dusty’s not exactly built for racing—and he happens to be afraid of heights. So he turns to a seasoned naval aviator who helps Dusty qualify to take the defending champ of the race circuit. Dusty’s courage is put to the ultimate test as he aims to reach heights he never dreamed possible, giving a spellbound world the inspiration to soar. “Disney’s Planes” takes off in theaters in 3D on Aug. 9, 2013, and will be presented in Disney Digital 3D™ in select theaters.”
Lending their voices to the film alongside Cook are expected to be Stacy Keach, Brad Garrett, and Carlos Alazraqui.
Klay Hall (King of the Hill) is behind the camera on this one, with John Lasseter himself serving as executive producer.
The fact that Pixar aren’t involved with this Cars-inspired film/spin-off has me a little cautious about it. I really enjoyed Cars, and am intrigued by Planes’ potential. But since the original creative team behind Cars isn’t present here on Planes, I think, at best, we’ll have to treat it in its own right and try not to make too many comparisons. At the very least, Lasseter’s involvement lends the project weight.
And as a big fan of Cook, particularly his solo comedy work, I’m willing to give this a shot.
Planes will be released in 3D on 9th August in the US, with its UK release date set a week later on 16th August. Here’s the first teaser trailer to set the tone.
[yframe url=’www.youtube.com/watch?v=bssstn218EA’]
“BURBANK, Calif. (February 28, 2013) – Dane Cook has been tapped to voice the lead character Dusty, a plane with high hopes in “Disney’s Planes.” Inspired by the world of “Cars” and directed by Disneytoon Studios veteran and aviation enthusiast Klay Hall (“King of the Hill,” “The Simpsons”), “Disney’s Planes” is an action-packed 3D animated comedy adventure about Dusty’s dream of competing as a high-flying air racer—and his decidedly unfortunate fear of heights. The film takes off in theaters in 3D on Aug. 9, 2013.
“Dane Cook brings unmatched charisma and brilliant comedic timing and instincts to the character,” said Hall. “He gives Dusty a great edge.”
Cook is well known for his appearances on Comedy Central and HBO specials, and for his successful comedy albums. He recently guest starred on “Louie” opposite Louie C.K., and his film credits include starring roles in a host of films, including “My Best Friend’s Girl” opposite Kate Hudson, “Dan In Real Life” opposite Steve Carell, and “Mr. Brooks” opposite Kevin Costner. The actor/comedian just signed a deal with NBC Entertainment and Universal Television to develop a new project starring Cook.
The all-new story offers an exciting cast of characters and centers on Dusty’s high-flying dream. But Dusty’s not exactly built for racing, so he turns to a seasoned naval aviator who helps Dusty qualify to take on the defending champ of the race circuit. Dusty’s courage is put to the ultimate test as he aims to reach heights he never dreamed possible, giving a spellbound world the inspiration to soar. The film is produced by Traci Balthazor-Flynn and executive produced by John Lasseter. For more information, check out Disney.com/Planes, like us on Facebook: facebook.com/DisneyPlanes and follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/DisneyPictures.”
